Courtesy of Julia WronaPearson Constantino (left) and his brother Pete: They hope a coast-to-coast bicycle ride will help increase safety on the roads for bikers.

My column today was built around the story of Pearson Constantino, a Skaneateles-raised bicyclist who nearly died in a biking accident in Westchester County - and who is now planning a crosscountry bicycle ride with his brother Pete to raise awareness for measures that would increase biking safety. The journey will be turned into a documentary.

Pearson was wearing a helmet when he was run down by the hit-and-driver of an SUV. A shard of plastic pierced the helmet and left a 7-inch gash on his head. He puts it to people bluntly: Without the helmet, he wouldn't have survived.

The questions take on a sense of urgency after the death of Michele Duprey, an Auburn teacher who died this month in a bicycle-motorcycle crash. Pearson and Pete hope to see new legislation that mandates a 3-foot cushion between motorists and bicyclists. They want to see biker and pedestrian safety become a priority in driver's education classes. In a time of text messaging and iPods, they want to see a new emphasis on reminding drivers of the need to be cautious and alert.

To underline the need, consider this piece, sent along by a friend, Brian Dimmer.

What's your take? What can be done to increase safety for bicyclists and motorists? Leave your thoughts here, at skirst@syracuse.com or on the forum.